What the experts think

We have commissioned a range of reports from external experts to help guide our long term management of the forest. These will give you a good insight into the issues which face us. In addition, we have provided a copy of our current conservation management plan.

The Historic Landscape Significance of Hatfield Forest

Dr Tom Williamson, Professor of Landscape History, University of East Anglia

"
What is clear is that Hatfield is the best-preserved forest landscape in England…without parallel elsewhere in England, and possibly Europe.
The continuing survival of the complex mosaic of traditional management regimes…depends on the perpetuation of versions of archaic techniques, here practised on a uniquely extensive scale.
This is a unique inheritance which deserves particular protection into the future
"

- Professor Tom Williamson

Archaeological and Historic Landscape Survey

Maria Medlycott, Historic Environment Consultant, Place Services, Essex County Council